Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

“There's a level of violence that comes from forcing people to be pregnant. The tactics that we're seeing on the attacks of abortion care, are the same tactics we're seeing with gender-affirming care, and access to gender-affirming care, (the same as) the attacks on our health care providers, and (on) our vital body autonomy.”
—D. Ojeda
a Senior National Organizer with the National Center for Transgender Equality  

     Words fail us, friends. Next week, we'll have resources and actions to take galore...but, for this week, when words fail, we turn to images. 

If you or someone you know is in need of healthcare in the form of an abortion in Vermont, head here for more information: https://www.abortionfinder.org/abortion-guides-by-state/abortion-in-vermont/providers.
Donate here, if you are able: https://abortionfunds.org/fund/vermont-access-to-reproductive-freedom/.
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WeCAN WEDNESDAYS

     Exciting news: WeCAN is co-sponsoring a series of events this Summer with Brattleboro Democrats and Rep. Emilie Kornheiser! The series continues on June 29th, 2022 and runs through August. Join us at the Brattleboro Town Common where we will celebrate politics, get to know candidates new and old, and maybe even throw ourselves a 5 year birthday party...we can't wait to see you there!
You can find more information below in this email or go to https://www.wecantogether.net/wecan_wednesdays_2022, where these events will have a dedicated space on our website. 
Upcoming Schedule
Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 at 5pm: Meet the Candidates: Play Political Jeopardy
Wednesday, July 13rd, 2022 at 5pm: Meet the Candidates: Sit at the Long Table
Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 at 5pm: Meet the Candidates: Policy Huddles
Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 5pm: Primary Day Celebration/ WeCAN's 5th Birthday Party!

If you would like to volunteer or set up a table for your organization, please use the following links:

Click here to volunteer: https://www.emiliekornheiser.org/volunteer/
Click here to sign up to table or represent a candidate: https://forms.gle/4JuNT7Uw1hwQkHGp8

If you would like to sign up to help at the WeCAN table, please email us at [email protected]et. Thank you!

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HAPPENING THIS WEEK:
MONDAY, JUNE 27th, 2022-SUNDAY, JULY 3rd, 2022

A Silent Vigil of Loving Kindness
Monday, June 27th, 2022 at Wells Fountain (298-250 VT 30, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 4:30pm-5:30pm.
For further information and to be on the mailing list for future vigils, please contact Tim Stevenson, [email protected], go to www.postoilsolutions.org, or call 802.869.2141.
Under a banner that reads, “Holding a Space of Loving Kindness for All Living Beings,” we conduct a silent vigil every other Monday, 4:30-5:30, @ Wells Fountain across from Brooks Library and the Municipal Building, downtown Brattleboro
Our purpose is to serve as a living reminder of the inherent goodness of each of us, as well as our inextricable connection with one another.
For a few minutes or the entire hour, all are welcome to join us in extending sentiments of loving kindness to all living beings: to family and friends, neighbors and strangers, kindred spirits and adversaries, human and non-human beings, alike. And to ourselves, as well. People may choose to stand, kneel, or sit in a chair they bring, or on one of the stone benches circling the Fountain.

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WeCAN Wednesdays
sponsored by Brattleboro Democrats and WeCAN: Windham County Action Network
Every Other Wednesday Through August on the Brattleboro Town Common (Park Pl, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 5pm-7pm
Wednesday, June 29th, 2022
Wednesday, July 13th, 2022
Wednesday, July 27th, 2022
Tuesday, August 9th, 2022

Click here to volunteer: https://www.emiliekornheiser.org/volunteer/
Click here to sign up to table or represent a candidate: https://forms.gle/4JuNT7Uw1hwQkHGp8

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Guilford Cares Food Pantry
Thursday, June 30th, 2022 at the Guilford Fairgrounds (163 Fairground Rd, Guilford, VT 05301). 3pm-4pm. 
If you have questions, concerns or would like to donate groceries or monetary gifts please contact Pat Haine 802-257-0626. For additional questions or more information call 802 579 1350 or email [email protected]. 
Guilford Cares Food Pantry has moved! The Pantry has moved to the First Aid building at the Guilford Fairgrounds. We will be fully stocked with all our usual grocery items.
The Fairgrounds are on Fairground Road, just off Weatherhead Hollow Road. From Guilford Center Road turn onto Weatherhead Hollow Road. Travel 1.7 miles down the road. The Fairgrounds are on the left and there will be a sign directing you up the hill for about .2 miles. The red building is on the left with a sign out in front. Please remain in your car; we’ll greet you,  and give you a shopping list as we have been doing for the past year.
If the Pantry will be closed for any unexpected reason, the closure will be announced on WKVT, WTSA, and Front Porch Forum.
If you cannot come to the Pantry due to illness or high risk, you can call also call Pat to arrange for food delivery by a volunteer.
We know that supplemental food can make such a big difference in one's budget. That is why we are stocking our shelves for our neighbors. All are welcome to come and take home fresh produce, staples, meat, dairy.
Guilford Cares welcomes anyone in need of supplemental food for themselves or their families.

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Book Launch: The Girl in the Yellow Pantsuit by Becca Balint
hosted by Everyone’s Books
Friday, July 1st, 2022 at Brooks House Atrium (132 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 4pm-6pm.
Join us for the book launch of Becca Balint’s book The Girl in the Yellow Pantsuit: Essays on Politics, History, and Culture at Brooks House in Brattleboro, VT, where we will celebrate not only Becca, but Brattleboro’s community of ideas, too.

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Summer of Solidarity
Friday, July 1st, 2022 and
Friday, August 5th, 2022 at Pliny Park (corner of High Street and Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5pm-6pm.
A collective action focusing on connected global, national, and local outrages.
Hosted by Brattleboro Solidarity, The Root Social Justice Center, Tenants Union of Brattleboro, Lost River Racial Justice, VT Debt Collective, 350 Brattleboro, Out in the Open, and Youth 4 Change. 

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Blue States USA Croquet
hosted by Southern VT Sister District
Saturday, July 2nd, 2022-Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 in Putney Village (exact location sent out after registration). 10:30am-4pm.
Donations collected at the event.
"Tee times" every 15 minutes from 10:30am to 4pm. Sign up here.
Patriotic, political play over the 4th of July weekend! Wonderful and meaningful fun for ALL ages. Whimsical wickets with the serious message of flipping strategic state legislatures BLUE for the midterms 2022. 
Sign up for Blue State USA Croquet on Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3 in Putney Village (exact location will be sent after registration).
Bring your friends and family and enjoy how local artists and activists capture this year's theme, Rep. John Lewis encouraging us to "get in good trouble, necessary trouble."
This year we aim to raise over $3000 for our Sister District candidate Dan Williams who is working to hold his seat in the Pennsylvania House after redistricting.. https://dan4pa74.com/

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UPCOMING EVENTS

We Celebrate Democracy/Civil Rights For All: Help Us Carry the Banner in the 4th of July Parade!
Monday, July 4th, 2022 on Flat Street, in Brattleboro, VT.
For location and timing, please contact: [email protected] or call 802 258 7045.
Positive nonviolent public action for democracy and civil rights for all people. wecelebratedemocracycivilrightsforall.org   
Meet on Flat Street on Monday morning. Bring signs and songs. We will bring the banner.
As it says on one of the signs we carry: "Democracy needs you". Now more than ever. Democracy needs all of us.
Marching in the parade is a powerful way to show that we want to fix our democracy and heal the planet. Let's stand up together, in public, and continue humanity's great work. 
Join us in the parade.
We will update you on the details.

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Vermont Food Bank’s Veggie Van Go Upcoming Schedule
The First and Third Mondays of Every Month in the parking lot across the street from the main entrance to Brattleboro Union High School (131 Fairground Road, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 10am-11am. 
Please, no early birds. 
Questions? Call 1-800-585-2265 or email [email protected] 
Veggie Van Go is a program through the Vermont Foodbank that gives out free produce and local food for people to take home.
ATTENTION: Starting in May, the VT Foodbank asks that participants arrive at the Brattleboro Union High School no earlier than 9:45am. Cars that arrive early will be turned away until the start of the event. 
Week of July 4th, 2022 TBA
July 18th, 2022

Important information:

• Drive through model- please stay in your vehicles
• If you are walking there: see a Vermont Foodbank associate but please make sure to stay 6 feet back.
• There are no income requirements, registration or paperwork to participate
• You do not need to be present to get food: you may ask someone to pick up on your family's behalf.

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Summer Mural Project with Youth 4 Change
Tuesday, July 5th, 2022-Sunday, July 10th, 2022 at The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301), on the First Floor.
Use the QR code on the image or go the Facebook event page for more info.
The Root is excited to announce that Youth 4 Change is bringing a collaborative Summer Mural project with Juniper Creative Arts to our community!!
Youth ages 10-22 are invited to participate in this FREE 5 day mural project from the conceptualization of the mural to the grand reveal!
Join Youth 4 Change and Will and Jennifer of Juniper Creative Arts as together we welcome creative expression, joy, action, and community building to our home!
Mark your calendars for July5th-10th and stay in tune as we continue to share more details.

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Spark Teacher Education presents System Change Not Climate Change: Climate Justice for Classrooms
facilitated by Spark Teacher Education Institute
Session 1: Tuesday, July 5th, 2022
Session 2: Tuesday, July 12th, 2022
Session 3: Tuesday, July 19th, 2022
Session 4: Tuesday, July 26th, 2022, plus 2-3 sessions with great speakers. 
5pm-6:30pm.
To register or to get more info, go HERE.
The aim of the professional development is to ground ourselves in a people-centered analysis of the ecological crisis, integrate the analysis into curriculum, and identify steps towards building a movement. 
This 12 hour online professional development is for educators, organizers, and parents. 

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Summer Institute: Documenting Everyday Life
hosted by the Vermont Folklife Center
Wednesday, July 6th, 2022-Thursday, July 7th, 2022 at 118 Elliot Gallery (118 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). Begins at 10am on Wednesday and ends at 4:30pm on Thursday.
Tuition fees listed below. Please go here: https://www.vermontfolklifecenter.org/events/si22-documenting-everyday-life for more information.
Schedule:
In-Person Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 and Thursday, July 7th, 2022, 10am - 4:30pm, plus an evening event on Wednesday, June 6th, 2022.
The Vermont Folklife Center’s work is guided by this central question: How can I/we understand experience from the point of view of the person or group to whom that experience belongs? 
This 2-day, in person workshop will present the foundations of our particular skill set and approach, what we refer to as the “ethnographic toolkit.” Capturing the scope of everyday life through deep listening and description is a part of how ethnography builds context. These tools can be used by anyone looking to engage with a community or group of people to reach a deeper understanding about how we live and live together.

As a group, we will:

• Explore strategies for community-based learning and inquiry that center on collaborative and ethical engagement
• Learn from ethnographers who have adapted this framework in their projects 
• Conduct mini-fieldwork trips and participant observation; write field notes from several ‘scales of attention’ (self, neighborhood, community)
• Gain basic experience with digital media making, with a critical lens on documentary work and the ethics of representation

This workshop will leave participants with a deeper understanding of the ethics of representation in all public work on Vermont community life and cultures. Space and time will be provided to work individually and as a cohort to apply the ethnographic toolkit within your own community projects, research, media-making endeavors, classroom plans, or areas of interest. 
Tuition and Graduate Credit:
Course fees are on a sliding scale ranging between $275 - $525. There is the option to take this course for 1-graduate credit for an additional $125. Financial Aid is available (email [email protected] for more information)
Cancellation Policy:
No refunds after June 22, 2022. Written cancellation notice (email or snail mail) must be received by that date for a refund minus a $25 administrative fee.

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Pierce’s Summer Food Pop-Ups!
hosted by the Putney Foodshelf and Food 4 Kids
Wednesday, July 13th, 2022
Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 at Pierce’s Dance Hall (121 East Putney Falls Road, Putney, VT). (The image attached is incorrect and should read 121 East Putney Falls Road). 1pm-2:30pm.
All are welcome.
Free Summer food for all. Putney area families and individuals are encouraged to attend. Fresh produce and other groceries are available! 

*the correct address is 121 East Putney Falls Road

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New Community Food Initiative

Have You Heard of Farm Stand Together?
Find more info and apply here: https://www.farmstandtogethervt.org/
Delicious Food on your Terms in your Community! From their site: 
"We believe that everyone should have access to the delicious foods Vermont farmers are growing and making. 
The Farm Stand Together mutual food aid program will be providing gift cards for use at a small selection of farm stands across Vermont. The program is in trial and access in this first round will be limited. 
Gift cards will work like regular credit cards at participating farm stands, and can be used to purchase any items at the stand. They can be spent all at once or over time."
Buy what you want and need – there are no strings attached to your gift card. Shop at the location that's most accessible to you.
Use your Farm Stand Together gift card to reduce the cost of buying local food.
Buy food grown and produced thoughtfully to provide nutritious – and delicious – food.
Keep Vermont money in the Vermont community. Shop for your groceries from farmers and producers in your own area.

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ONGOING EVENTS

Recovery Families
hosted by Turning Point
Fridays at Turning Point of Windham County Recovery Center (39 Elm Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 10am-11am. 
Young children welcome!
Join other caregivers for connection and support of your own recovery journey or that of someone you love. 

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Taking Steps Brattleboro, a program of Brattleboro Area Hospice is offering Advance Care Planning Weekly Zoom Information Sessions on Wednesdays from 10am-11am.
If you are interested in attending the Zoom info session, or want more information about Advance Care Planning, please contact Ruth Nangeroni, Advance Care Planning Program Coordinator at 802-257-0775 ext 101 or [email protected]
Advance care planning ensures that your loved ones and health professionals know what you  want in a medical emergency when you are unable to speak for yourself. It’s a process of creating a written health care plan(advance directive) that tells others what you would want if you couldn’t tell them yourself.
Advance Care Planning includes discussing choices about end-of-life (EOL) care with your medical provider, family and others. It involves choosing and educating your Health Care Agent and making informed decisions to complete an Advance Directive. Join us and learn more. Find out if adding a COVID-19 or Dementia provision would be beneficial to include or add to a previously completed Advance Directive.
Brattleboro Area Hospice (BAH) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides non-medical support to dying and grieving community members and volunteer-staffed assistance with Advance Care Planning. BAH is 100% locally funded, and provides services free of charge. Services are available to anyone living in southeastern Vermont or bordering New Hampshire towns.
Advance Care Planning: It’s how people care for one another.

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Volunteer Opportunity

Putney Foodshelf Needs Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to fill out the following teams as soon as this week:
Open Hours (Fridays 1-4 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30-11 a.m.)
VT Foodbank: pick up, unload, and restock (Fridays 7:45am-8:30 a.m.)
If you, or anyone you know, might be interested in volunteering, we'd love to hear about it!
Start by filling out this form and we'll be in touch. Volunteering can be a fun and gratifying way to connect to the community. 
If you are already a Foodshelf volunteer and would like to sign up for one of these shifts, please let us know asap by signing up through our regular signup portal or emailing [email protected] Thank you! 

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES

Endorse Vermont’s Reproductive Liberty Amendment
Have questions? Please contact Charlie Gliserman, Policy & Prop 5 Campaign Manager at [email protected] or (802) 338-6811.
The Reproductive Liberty Amendment, previously Prop 5, will be a ballot measure in Vermont's 2022 General Election. If passed, it would amend Vermont's constitution to protect every person's right to make their own reproductive decisions, like whether and when to become pregnant, use temporary or permanent birth control, or seek abortion care. 
An endorsement is a public statement of support for the Reproductive Liberty Amendment, which may be featured on the Vermont for Reproductive Liberty website (reprolibertyvt.org) and its campaign communications. 
An endorsement is a powerful way to show Vermont that you or your organization is proud to support the Reproductive Liberty Amendment. Join us in this campaign, powered by and for Vermonters, to protect reproductive freedom for all.
You can find the endorsement form HERE.

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In Home Covid 19 Vaccines and Boosters

If you are homebound and not able to leave your home for medical services, you can get your COVID-19 vaccination and booster in your home.

• If you are in the service of a local home health agency, the agency will reach out to you to schedule an appointment.
• If you are not in the service of a home health agency, you may request an appointment by calling 802-863-7240 (toll-free 833-722-0860) Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

www.healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine

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Covid 19 Pop-Up Testing and Vaccinations
Testing and vaccinations are available for all. 
If you need testing or a vaccine, there are a variety of options available to you: your primary care provider, pop-up sites and pharmacies. The Test Site Finder below can help you find other testing near you.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT POP-UP TESTING LOCATIONS
Here are the steps to set up a testing appointment at a pop-up testing site:

• Register to get an account
• Receive an email with your patient ID and use that to confirm your account (check your spam folder if you don't see the email)
• Log in with your patient ID
• Set up an appointment

Register for Pop-Up Testing Here

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The Village Closet
on the Wintson Prouty Campus (60 Austine Drive, Brattleboro, VT, 05301), in Croker Hall.
Open Wednesdays from 4pm-6pm and Saturdays from 10am-12pm, or
by appointment. For more information, please email [email protected]
Your source for free baby, children, and pregnancy clothing/items. Donations of gently used items accepted. We are collecting new and "like new" children's coats and winter gear for our Kids in Coats partnership with United Way of Windham County.  If you have items to donate, please stop by today if you are able!
On Wednesdays, Everyone Eats will be distributing free dinners on campus from 3:30pm-4:30pm.

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FREE HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD IN WINDHAM COUNTY

Brigid’s Kitchen, St. Michael’s Church, 47 Walnut Street, Brattleboro 802-254-6800 or 802-558-6072 
Grab-and-go lunches and fruit/nuts on Mon, Weds, Thus, and Sat, 11:30am-12:20pm.

Loaves and Fishes, Centre Congregational Church 193 Main Street, Brattleboro (802) 254-4730
Grab-and-go lunches on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12pm.

VT Foodbank and Veggie Van Go will be at Brattleboro Union High School (Fairground Ave, Brattleboro, VT, 05301), in the parking lot, on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, from 10am-11am. Drive up, touchless pickup. Walkers welcome, too. Call VT 211 for more information. 

Foodworks, the food shelf program of the Groundworks Collaborative https://groundworksvt.org (802) 490-2412, [email protected] 
Foodworks has open hours for curbside pickup on Mondays 11am-4pm, Wednesdays 1pm-6pm, Fridays 12pm-4pm, last Saturday of each month from 9am-12pm. Deliveries are available onTuesdays across Windham county. Please email [email protected] or call 802-490-2412 with any questions!
Households in need of food are asked to call or email to coordinate delivery. There is an urgent need for volunteers, and Foodworks has set up protocols to keep staff, volunteers, and clients as safe as possible. Please email us at [email protected] if you are able to help.

Marlboro Community Food Share
hosted by the Marlboro Community Center
Wednesday 10am-2pm; Thursday 10am-5pm; Friday 10am-12pm; Saturday 10am-12pm at the Marlboro Community Center (524 South Road, Marlboro, VT, 05344). 
The Marlboro Community Center invites you to fill a bag with non-perishable grocery items. Food is set up in the main space and is available during our open hours. Eggs and produce on Thursdays as available. No registration or eligibility required. Deliveries can be made through Marlboro Cares for those needing assistance. Please call Marlboro Cares at 258-3030 in advance to arrange a delivery.
To donate food:
Leave non-perishable food in the donation box at the Marlboro Post Office. It will be collected on a weekly-basis. (Please note that this box previously supplied the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry, which is now distributing food exclusively from VT Food Pantry) 
Gardeners and farmers are welcome to donate produce. Wear masks and wash hands when harvesting and handling food. Fresh produce can be dropped off at the Community Center on Thursday between 1pm and 4pm. (Any leftover produce will be taken to FoodWorks the following morning)

Guilford Food Pantry 
Every Thursday at the Guilford Fairgrounds. 5pm-6pm.
We know that supplemental food can make such a big difference in one's budget. That is why we are stocking our shelves for our neighbors. All are welcome to come and take home fresh produce, staples, meat, dairy. Guilford Cares welcomes anyone in need of supplemental food for themselves or their families.

Putney Foodshelf Weekly Open Hours 
Fridays at Christian Square, Putney, VT, 05346. 1:30pm-3:30pm.
Saturdays at Christian Square, Putney, VT, 05346. 9am-10:30am. (NEW HOURS!)
We also have a food drop at the Putney Meadows parking lot every 4th Thursday, from 9am-9:45am.
Message us on our FB page HERE, call 802.387.8551, or email [email protected] with questions. www.putneyfoodshelf.org
Curbside Open Hours. All are welcome - we just ask you to provide your town of residence and number in household for our data tracking purposes.
Stay in your car, please. Volunteers will take your order and bring out boxes of food, including nonperishable items, fresh produce, paper goods, meat, and dairy products.

Everyone Eats continues, including grab-and-go meals at these times and locations: 

• There is no longer an Everyone Eats distribution at Turning Point on Sundays, as Edible Brattleboro is dormant in the winter.
• The meals at Retreat Farm are stocked in their farm stand for pick up anytime, first come first serve. We are planning to stock on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Folks receiving services through Foodworks, Loaves and Fishes, and the Brattleboro Community Justice Center can obtain free meals through those organizations.
You can also order Everyone Eats! meals directly from participating restaurants using the Localvore App.

Our Place Drop-In Center at 4 Island Street, Bellows Falls, VT, 05101. Call us at 802-463-2217 for assistance. Email at [email protected] Please wear a mask to keep our employees and yourself safe.
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Wednesday: 8:30am-4pm
Thursday: 8:30am-1pm
Friday: 8:30am-4pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Our Place Drop-In Center operates a food pantry and meal site where they serve breakfast with to-go meals that are ready for pickup by 9am. Lunch is ready by 11:30am. 
Everyone is welcome to stop by to get a meal. At this time we are allowing only employees in the building.

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ADDITIONAL COVID 19 RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND AT THEIR PERMANENT HOME ON OUR WEBSITE, HERE: https://www.wecantogether.net/covid19_resources

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RESOURCE FOR WeCAN

Rapid Response Text Alert System

When WeCAN began, Song & Solidarity set up a Rapid Response Text Alert System for WeCAN Groups. Directions for signing up are on WeCAN's website, here: https://www.wecantogether.net/rapid_response. We are grateful to Song and Solidarity for providing this service.

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ONGOING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING 

Indigo Radio
Sundays at 1pm on Brattleboro Community Radio 107.7FM. To stream live, visit: www.wvew.org 
Indigo Radio, deepening understanding and making connections! IndigoRadio is a group of area educators seeking to learn through engaging with others in our community and throughout the world. We will be talking about educational and social issues both globally and locally and connecting them to our lives and Brattleboro community. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigoradiowvew/. For archive recordings of past shows: https://soundcloud.com/user-654648353. 

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Sending support and solidarity your way, friends. You are not alone. 

Your Friendly WeCAN Editor,

Joanna and Sam